IC Design – The Core Tools and Platforms Driving the AI Revolution

As the semiconductor industry undergoes a major transformation, integrated circuit (IC) design and Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools have emerged as pivotal forces powering the AI era. According to Bloomberg Intelligence, the current EDA market—valued at around USD 12 billion—could expand by an additional USD 6 billion by 2030 if AI-powered design tools are successfully deployed.

Specifically, research highlights that:

• AI-integrated EDA tools, such as Synopsys DSO.ai and Cadence Cerebrus, have significantly improved design performance (PPA – Power/Performance/Area).

• The total EDA market is projected to reach USD 23.9 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 11.8% between 2024 and 2030 — far outpacing the overall semiconductor industry.

• The reason: chip designs are becoming increasingly complex to support AI workloads — from multi-voltage architectures and high-bandwidth interconnects to chiplet integration and advanced 2.5D/3D packaging… driving soaring demand for design, simulation, and packaging tools.

Practical Implications for Businesses and IC Designers

• For IC design companies, adopting AI-enabled EDA tools is not merely about improving performance — it is a strategic differentiator in an increasingly competitive industry.

• As AI workloads intensify, designing “AI-native” chips or AI accelerators requires robust design software in addition to advanced hardware — covering everything from architecture, IP, and packaging to simulation.

• Legal and Advisory Perspectives: IC design contracts, IP ownership, EDA software licensing, and design confidentiality are becoming increasingly critical as both design and tooling undergo “AI transformation.”

IC design is no longer just about “drawing layouts” — it’s an integration of architecture, packaging technology, and advanced design software. As AI shifts its focus from software to hardware, EDA tools and IC design methodologies will form the nexus for the next major leap.

Sources:

• “AI could add $6 billion to electronic design-automation market,” Bloomberg Intelligence, Oct 31 2024.

• “AI fuels $24 billion chip design market,” Bloomberg Intelligence, Feb 4 2025.

• “Packaging, processor growth illustrate a young AI boom,” Bloomberg Intelligence, Oct 25 2024.